Hillcrist. As we do, Amy.

Mrs. H. Who wouldn’t?  A man without traditions, who believes in nothing but money and push.

Hillcrist. Suppose he won’t budge, can we do anything for the Jackmans?

Mrs. H. There are the two rooms Beaver used to have, over the stables.

Fellows.  Mr. Dawker, sir.

     [DAWKERS is a short, square, rather red-faced terrier of a man,
     in riding clothes and gaiters.]

Hillcrist. Ah!  Dawker, I’ve got gout again.

Dawker.  Very sorry, sir.  How de do, ma’am?

Hillcrist. Did you meet the Jackmans?

DAWKERS.  Yeh.

     [He hardly ever quite finishes a word, seeming to snap of their
     tails.]

Hillcrist. Then you heard?

Dawker. [Nodding] Smart man, Hornblower; never lets grass grow.

Hillcrist. Smart?

Dawker. [Grinning] Don’t do to underrate your neighbours.

Mrs. H. A cad—­I call him.

Dawker.  That’s it, ma’am-got all the advantage.

Hillcrist. Heard anything about the Centry, Dawker?

Dawker.  Hornblower wants to buy.

Hillcrist. Miss Mullins would never sell, would she?

Dawker.  She wants to.

Hillcrist. The deuce she does!

Dawker.  He won’t stick at the price either.

Mrs. H. What’s it worth, Dawker?

Dawker.  Depends on what you want it for.

Mrs. H. He wants it for spite; we want it for sentiment.

Dawker. [Grinning] Worth what you like to give, then; but he’s a rich man.

Mrs. H. Intolerable!

Dawker. [To Hillcrist] Give me your figure, sir.  I’ll try the old lady before he gets at her.

Hillcrist. [Pondering] I don’t want to buy, unless there’s nothing else for it.  I should have to raise the money on the estate; it won’t stand much more.  I can’t believe the fellow would be such a barbarian.  Chimneys within three hundred yards, right in front of this house!  It’s a nightmare.

Mrs. H. You’d much better let Dawker make sure, Jack.

Hillcrist. [Uncomfortable] Jackman says Hornblower’s coming round to see me.  I shall put it to him.

Dawker.  Make him keener than ever.  Better get in first.

Hillcrist. Ape his methods!—­Ugh!  Confound this gout! [He gets back to his chair with difficulty] Look here, Dawker, I wanted to see you about gates——­

Fellows. [Entering] Mr. Hornblower.